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Windows 2003 just sits there after login, no desktop

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xtremist5150

IS-IT--Management
Nov 20, 2003
61
US
I'm having a problem with my W2k3 server. We use it here as a file/print server and in that function we have no problems mapping to it or navigating through its folders, assigning printers, etc. The only thing is that the desktop never comes up. It seems to boot up normally then to the login screen, I put in the correct login credentials and then it sits there saying "Applying settings, loggin on" then just is a blank desktop screen like it's waiting for something. I can hit CTRL-ALT-DEL to get that box up but I never see the system tray, icons or anything. Again though, if I map to our network drives on that server, there's no problem at all, just no desktop/Windows interface either locally or through remote desktop. Any ideas?
 
Hi, I tried doing that with Safe Mode as well, same deal. Just a blank desktop no interface. Still able to access network drive remotely and printers as well, can even go in remotely and go \\servername\c$ to see drive folders, just no Windows desktop interface.

Also, if I hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and select Task Manager, that doesn't pop up either.

On both modes, it did sit for about 5 minutes on "Applying computer settings" and then a popup with an Event Viewer error, but as I can't get to the desktop I can't read the errors. Any idea what file in Windows (location) would show this?

I can reimage the server if need be but I want to use it as a last resort.
 
You can connect remotely to the system using Computer Managememt on another computer, then look in the event log for errors.
 
OK, tried it and I found this error. After this date/time is when we started experiencing all these problems:

Date: 10/28/2004
Source: win32k
Type: Warning
Event ID: 244
Computer: (computername)

Description:
Failed to create a desktop due to desktop heap exhaustion.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at
I've tried to research this on the net and on microsoft.com but to no avail. Any thoughts?
 
I have no idea what that eror means, can you create another domain admin user and logon?
That will rule out the profile of your current user account.
 
Same issue with different domain admin user. Have also tried with local computer admin and no difference.
 
I'm stumped i'm afraid, the only option i can suggest before reimaging the server mabe to try a Windows repair.
 
I doubt the user waited this long ! The post dates back to November 2004 :)
 
Yeah, I just noticed that as I hit the submit button!! How dumb to I feel!!! ;-)

If aint broken, dont try n fix it!!!!!
 
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